Overview & Reviews

Looking for an inexpensive, entry-level new car at a Toyota dealership? In years past, you would've likely walked right by the Yaris' oddly proportioned predecessor, the Echo, and opted to shop for one of its worthy subcompact competitors. Thankfully, the Toyota Yaris is a better vehicle in just about every way.

Still, the first-generation of the Yaris was passable at best in what has become an increasingly competitive subcompact segment, as rivals offered more refinement, greater utility and a more enjoyable drive. But the latest version of Toyota's entry-level car boasts improvements in those key areas that, although still not making it a class leader, at least put it in the hunt. Further bolstered by Toyota's solid reputation for low ownership costs and stellar long-term reliability, the latest Yaris should prove appealing to those looking for practical and economical transportation.

Current Toyota Yaris
Toyota offers the subcompact Yaris as either a two- or four-door hatchback. There is no sedan version. Base L and uplevel LE trims are offered in either body style, while a sporty SE trim is offered only on the four-door. Standard highlights on the L include power door locks, air-conditioning, four-way-adjustable front seats, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, a CD player, USB/iPod connectivity and satellite radio. The LE adds power windows, remote keyless entry, a six-way-adjustable driver seat, a 60/40-split fold-down rear seat and an upgraded sound system. The SE trim gets a sport-tuned suspension, 16-inch alloy wheels, four-wheel disc brakes, a unique grille, foglamps, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and upgraded cloth upholstery.

For power, the Yaris comes with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine good for 106 horsepower and 103 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard and a four-speed automatic is optional. Fuel economy, while not class-leading, is still very frugal.

In reviews, we've found the new Yaris easy to like. Although its four-speed automatic would seem to be a major downside alongside some rivals' six-speed units, it manages not to feel archaic. With its timely gearchanges it makes the most of the available power while merging onto fast-moving freeways or dicing with city traffic. Handling is also respectable, with a reassuringly composed demeanor when tackling a twisty road. The SE provides a sporty feel with its quicker steering and additional grip. However, its ride quality isn't as good, and its turning circle is noticeably wider as well.

Used Toyota Yaris Model
The current second-generation Toyota Yaris debuted in the 2012 model year. Compared to the first-generation model, the latest Yaris is about 3 inches longer, and that stretch has been utilized to provide more luggage space. With this Yaris you also get a restyled interior, improved driving feel and additional convenience and safety features. Since that 2012 debut, only minor changes to feature content have taken place.

The first-generation (U.S. market) Toyota Yaris was sold from 2007-'11. It came as a two-door hatchback, a four-door hatchback or a four-door sedan. Toyota made a serious effort to differentiate the sedan from the hatchbacks. As such, it features a different instrument panel, was almost 20 inches longer and has a longer wheelbase. This meant more room for rear passengers, though the hatchbacks did offer an optional adjustable rear seat, which slid fore and aft to increase passenger or cargo space as needed.

All these Yaris models were powered by a 1.5-liter, 106-hp four-cylinder engine that drove the front wheels through either a five-speed manual or an optional four-speed automatic. Either way, the Yaris delivered excellent fuel economy. Apart from air-conditioning, standard equipment was fairly sparse. Option highlights included a Sport package that added styling tweaks, 15-inch wheels, foglights, iPod integration and sport seats.

These Yaris models offered an adequate driving experience. The steering was light for easy parking maneuvers, and the turning circle was tight. The engine was peppy enough, though off-the-line acceleration can be sluggish with the automatic transmission.

Changes throughout the years were very minimal in terms of styling, features and powertrains. But anyone considering a used Yaris should note that models prior to '09 may not feature side curtain airbags and antilock brakes, as they were optional for the first two years. For 2010, stability control became standard and the S trim level was eliminated in favor of the optional Sport package.

User Reviews:

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  DAILY DRIVER ! Great MPG very economical - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By LT - August 2 - 3:06 am

  I bought this with 150k miles and it runs like a new car. MPG are 38-40 mpg. Compact car but feels like a mid size. Aux cable is standard on this bad boy. 10 gallon tank that can go 350-400 miles when full. Livng up to the toyata reputation of reliability. Pros: Great MPG, Reliability, easy maintenance,bang for buck. Cheap to own cons, minor engine noise (barely notice OCD) due to poor sound proofing of firewall. Under powered BEST COMMUTER CAR.

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  MPG Like a Hybrid without the batteries. - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By John (Tucson) - July 31 - 9:26 am

  I got 43.5 MPG mixed city/freeway on my first tank after break-in, and this is the 4dr with automatic and running the A/C. Keep the tires properly inflated, drive gently, and youll save a lot on fuel. If only Detroit had the vision to compete with this car, they wouldnt be scambling to dump the huge SUVs. Toyota introduced the Prius eleven years ago, and Detroit is just now realizing that oil is a finite resource.

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  Dances in the Wind - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By yara - July 31 - 12:13 am

  Loved my Yaris. Cute, small, easy to park anywhere, and easy to drive. Fit a very tall family of four fine. Only problem was that it got blown all over the road when it was windy. Not a problem in places with little wind, but here, especially in snow or ice with wind, it was a problem. It was totaled this weekend (hit in the front driver side tire at about 30 mph), but I (the driver) was not injured.

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  Fuel mileage not so great - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By Glen - July 27 - 10:20 pm

  The car does good on fuel until you take it out on the highway, anything above 60 and the fuel mileage drops like a rock. I get about 37 for mixed driving but when I take it out on the open road... 25 to 28

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  Better Than I Thought - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Art - July 25 - 6:03 am

  Got this to replace my Mazda3 that was wrecked in, of all places, a funeral procession. Was suspicious when the dealer dropped the price from $17K to $14.5K without even me trying. After trade I walked out paying less than $5K. Has all the goodies, including alloys, alarm, upgrade tires and interior, power pack, etc. Runs smoothly and accelerates just as fast as the Mazda3 although it does lose mid range steam. Originally thought the gas gauge was broken but it seems Im getting about 33 mpg in the city! No problems as of yet and I hope it stays that way.

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  Why are all the web/print media wrong - 2008 Toyota Yaris
  By Duncan - July 24 - 1:56 am

  I got my Yaris at the end of March 2008 and have calculated mileage on every tank of gas and the MPG on every tank has been between 35 and 40 MPG. I have never gotten below 35, and I dont use the most fuel efficient driving techniques. Why has every media review, including Edmunds.com stated that the fuel economy on this car is 31-32. This is a great car. You cannot find a better car, with better gas mileage at a better price. Thats it.

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  Yaris is Nice - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By KP - July 21 - 9:03 pm

  I have had my Yaris for about 2 weeks know. I love the middle gauges because now I dont have to look through the steering wheel to see them. I got 34 mpg for first two tanks. The steering wheel is a little cheesy looking. I got every option offered and so far so good. Dont like that there is no place to put change or your cell phone or that the cup holders when you put a cup in them block the A/C vent. That wont work when it is 95 degrees outside. The outside of the car I love. As for acceleration, I have a manual so it has done pretty good. I drive on a major highway to work and it keeps up with all the other cars at 80 mph. Plus its a Toyota so it is going to last.

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  Great Little Car - 2009 Toyota Yaris
  By Luke - July 18 - 5:43 am

  In my opinion, people give out too many 10s these days, so Im trying to make my review as realistic as possible. Ive always driven a truck, but seeing the way the economy is and fluctuating gas prices, downsizing is the smart thing to do now. I dont have a lead foot, but Im not always the most conservative driver and Im getting 38 mpg doing about 30% city/70% highway. Looks great on the outside, the build quality is good. As far as reliability, I believe it was consumer reports that put it in its top 10 list of reliable cars at #7 so thats definitely a good thing. Overall, Im happy with the car and recommend it to friends when they say "Nice bubble, do you like it?"

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  It just doesnt die ! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By sheeep - July 16 - 7:33 pm

  I did research,found Yaris was the 1st reliable car among all(2 issues/100 cars,Camry or Accord with less than 20 while Impala with 60 some).I bought the cheapest one available in the area with 86k miles in 2009(29k mile/year average !!!) with no hesitation.I AM A HAPPY CAMPER ! I am racing the heck out of it and have 130k miles by now.It just refuses to DIE.Its incredibly peppy like Edmund said. With a DROP-IN K&N air filter,80mph in a blink and 110mph is not a dream.Mine got 29.8/35.7mpg.The car is surprisingly spacious inside. NO repair at all so far, just belt and oil.And I dont see any engine downgrade yet. Not even a vibration while moving.

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  LOVE IT!!!! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By w0lfgh0st - July 14 - 11:30 pm

  I needed to replace my Echo and this is the perfect car for anyone. Its surprisingly sporty in the manual and is far more comfortable than it looks like it would be. I couldnt be happier! Plus, its a Toyota, so you know youre getting something good!